Liverpool striker Fabio Borini is closing to a permanent move to Sunderland, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Borini has been deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield by manager Brendan Rodgers and was linked with a move to Serie A clubs Inter Milan and Lazio earlier in the transfer window.

Now it appears that the 24-year-old prefers a move back to Wearside.

Borini spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Stadium of Light and is expected to cost the Black Cats £8million.